COLUMBIA DISC GRAPHOPHONE
Columbia put the other talking machine companies to shame when it came to style. Starting in the 1890s, Columbia made a signature of juxtaposing elegant nickel against robust oak. The success of this approach may be viewed here. No other brand of talking machine had THIS much class! In the antique phonograph hobby, the term "over-restored" is sometimes heard. It refers to a restoration that is too giltzy or tawdry. We at phonophan endeavor to make our restorations look "organic," that is: eye-appealing, but in keeping with the age of the instrument. Therefore, although we refinished the oak cabinet, we have kept the nickel-plated hardware and trim in its original state, with the essence of its age still intact.
The hardware evinces a soft glow -- clean and well polished, but not flashy like the bumper of a 1950s Buick. The solid brass flower horn is in nice condition, not particularly dented or scratched, and with the brass showing through the old nickel plating in places, but well polished and scrupulously clean. In other words, the horn looks as it should for an artifact of its age. The Disc Graphophone Type BI was also known as the "Sterling." and when we admire the lovely luster of the metal, we understand the "sterling silver" allusion.
Here we see the "Sound Analyzing" soundbox which produces rich, bright music.
A friend of ours has devoted his retirement to improving the world of replica decals, and he has contributed beyond measure. In the "bad old days" of 15-20-30 years ago, we had only the most cheesy, inaccurately-designed decals to use for restoration. Consequently, a restoration always looked obvious, and just plain wrong. Nowadays, thanks to our pal, we can restore an instrument so authentically that the new decals can LITERALLY not be distinguished from the originals.
And speaking of decals-- here's the "Prize Shield" decal on the front panel of the cabinet.
The double-spring motor gives plenty of power, and features a fiber gear for quiet running, a signature element of Columbia engineering.
The Columbia BI Disc Graphophone -- classic good looks, superb playing quality, a must for those who want to enjoy both the visual and the auditory pleasures of a true antique phonograph.
Price: $2250.00 plus s/h, (NY State residents must add tax if applicable).
Contact: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX: 585-582-2624
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA